Council approves funding for phase two of Eastside sports complex

The City of El Paso is moving forward with its funding plan for phase two of the Eastside sports complex, which will cost around 21 million dollars.

The park is already under construction in far east El Paso at Montwood and John Hayes. It will have 19 flat fields, plus bike and hike trails.

The City created a public improvement district, or PID. People who will live in the neighborhood next to the park, currently undeveloped, will pay about $200 in PID property taxes a year for 15 years and have free access to the park.

The city also created a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ. A portion of taxes people pay in the area will stay in the neighborhood, but people under the TIRZ, and anyone else who wants to use the park, will have to pay an entrance fee.

The money will then be used to reimburse the project expenditures which were paid for through certificates of obligation. Debt not approved by voters.

Representative Michel Noe said he doesn’t have concerns about not enough people moving to the area because it will help pay off that debt and the area is currently surrounded by the construction of future homes. He says it seems they can’t build homes fast enough.

As for how future residents will be notified about fees, Noe said: “I wouldn’t certainly think it’s ethical that the realtor who’s selling the home tells the people in advance so its not something they’re sprung on. So they’ll know long before they buy the home that that is on it. it’s a small amount of money but its there.”

Noe says the first phase is months away from being completed. Phase two is expected to be completed in February.